Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Morning Report
Report for the period 4 pm 9 June
to 7 am 10 June 1997
The current alert level is ORANGE


Volcanic activity continued overnight, with another pulse of enhanced pyroclastic flows between 8 pm and 1 am. This pulse was more energetic than any of the episodes in the last three days, although none of the pyroclastic flows travelled further than previous flows in Tuitt's Ghaut. The level of earthquake activity remained about the same, with several long-period events, most of them triggering rockfalls.

Once again the volcano is cloudy, and the MVO observer at the airport reports that the cloud is very low on that side of the volcano, so that the dome and the upper part of Tuitt's Ghaut cannot be seen.

Further pyroclastic flows are expected, and it is possible that the hot pyroclastic flows and surges could travel even further. The flows move extremely fast and cannot be outrun. The revised zones A and B, which include Tuitt's, Bramble, Bethel, Spanish Point, Farms, Harris and Trants, are extremely dangerous and the authorities and MVO strongly advise that nobody should go into this area at all. The public are reminded that while Bramble Airport remains operational for the time being, it is open only for essential travel purposes - people not travelling should not visit the airport, and parents in particular are urged not to take their children to the airport just for the outing.


Montserrat Volcano Observatory